Seneca News

Reflections on colonization

Candy Palmater speaks at third annual Seneca Talks

Jan. 17, 2019

It was nearly standing-room only for the 2019 edition of Seneca Talks. The first of a four-part lecture series presented by First Peoples@Seneca, special guest Candy Palmater gave a lecture then led a discussion at the Great Hall on Monday, Jan. 14.

A diverse audience of more than 200 people listened attentively as the Mi’kmaw lawyer, comic, writer, TV and radio broadcaster drew on her personal experience regarding the lecture topic, “Being Indigenous in a Colonized Nation.”

Informative and captivating, Palmater interspersed pop culture references between somber stories about her family and friends.

“I walk out of my house every day into the effects of colonization,” reflected Palmater.

Whether it was regarding personal identity, education or ways of thinking, Palmater contextualized the connections between Canada’s history of colonization and many of the obstacles that still persist in Canada today.

“Please never make the mistake of thinking that colonization is something that happened a long time ago,” said Palmater as she looked to the audience.

The next three Seneca Talks lectures will be held at Newnham Campus on February 11, March 11 and April 8.